African Union releases formal statement on the need to end violence against children

The Learn Without Fear campaign has welcomed the African Union’s formal statement on the need to tackle and put a stop to violence against children.

The statement, which acknowledges the depth of the problem, is calling on all parties to work together to stop it. Governments across Africa are encouraged to sign and ratify the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, to implement laws criminalizing violence against children and to commit the needed resources at all levels to eliminate violence in schools.

In recent years Plan has been advocating at the highest levels of government for the rights of children to live and learn without fear of violence or exploitation. The Learn Without Fear campaign promotes the development of policy and laws, while simultaneously encouraging the voluntary adoption of new violence-free programs at schools and in communities through outreach and education programs.

Recent success stories lead by Plan include:

Guinea Bissau 
On June 5, 2011, a coalition lead by Plan celebrated the passing of two laws by the government that criminalized the trafficking of children and female genital cutting. For nearly 6 years, Plan has urged the adoption of these laws to protect children by working with government and building public support through outreach.

Zimbawbwe 
Plan’s 2008 baseline corporal punishment survey served as a significant piece of evidence in the recent decision to revise Statutory Instrument 362 of the current Child Act, which initially stated that the use of corporal punishment against boys by school teachers was acceptable. This revision ensures that over two million boys are now protected under the law from being hit by teachers.

South Sudan
The Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly passed the Child Act in late 2008 prohibiting corporal punishment and other abuses. Plan is currently working with government stakeholders to improve implementation of this Act. 

West Africa
Plan supported the Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare on the Child and partners ACPF and Global Initiative to end Corporal Punishment to conduct Africa wide consultations on corporal punishment and to develop a strategic plan to end this harmful practice.

Plan is committed to working with our partners to achieve the goal of stopping all violence against children, and especially violence in schools. Creating an environment free from violence and exploitation encourages the development of future leaders, entrepreneurs and teachers so needed by Africa.